Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has lauded the financial windfall state governments are experiencing under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, attributing the development to the removal of fuel subsidies.
The governor made the remarks on Monday while inspecting several projects to mark the first anniversary of his second term in office. According to Uzodinma, the decision to end fuel subsidies has significantly increased funds flowing to sub-national governments, enabling them to invest in critical infrastructure and improve governance.
“In balancing the perceived negative effects of fuel subsidy removal with the gains in socio-infrastructure, social benefits, and the ease of doing business brought about by improved infrastructure, it is clear that this policy is a blessing,” Uzodinma stated.
He emphasized that the additional funds empower state governments to deliver more impactful projects, adding, “This is a direct blessing, not a disguised one. State governments must now rise to the challenge of demonstrating their ability to use these resources effectively, as citizens expect visible progress.”
President Tinubu announced the end of the fuel subsidy regime during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023. The bold policy move was aimed at redirecting resources to more sustainable economic development initiatives, and according to Uzodinma, it is already yielding tangible benefits at the state level.
As Uzodinma inspected ongoing projects in Imo State, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging the increased revenue to deliver infrastructural and social benefits for residents.
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